Resources by Barefoot Computing

Network Hunt

Using the school network as a learning resource, this Barefoot Computing resource for primary schools introduces networked devices and the hardware infrastructure used to connect them. Children carry out a ‘treasure hunt’, searching for common networked devices such as switches, servers and printers. After mapping...

Patterns Unplugged Activity

This short unplugged activity, away from computers, introduces pattern recognition using familiar objects. Children are asked to analyse groups of objects (cats, cars and so on) to identify features common to all of them. Exceptions to the 'rules' are discussed, and parallels with writing computer programs are...

Patterns Unplugged: Reusing Recipes Activity

This 'unplugged' activity by Barefoot Computing, introduces pattern recognition and the idea that algorithms can be repurposed. Cooking recipes are analysed to find parts that are common to more than one. Reusable parts are then borrowed to create new recipes which the children share with the class. Additional...

Pizza party modelling

This set of five lessons introduces pupils to data modelling using spreadsheets through the theme of a class pizza party. Pupils will develop their computational thinking skills of abstraction, decomposition, algorithms and evaluation and combine different types of software to present their work. These sessions...

Pizza Pickle Scratch Debugging Activity

This Barefoot Computing activity challenges lower-primary children to debug simple Scratch programs that assemble pizzas on-screen. A simple four-step process for systematic debugging is demonstrated.

Using logical...

Ranking search

This activity supports pupils to be able to understand how search engines rank results. Pupils are given the opportunity away from technology, to create topic led paper-based web pages in groups before discovering how their web pages would rank when searching for key words relating to their content.

River crossing activity

In this activity SEND pupils will learn to use logical reasoning to solve a problem and can be adapted using the PowerPoint to develop understanding of algorithms, decomposition and debugging. The activity gives pupils the opportunity to solve the traditional problem of a farmer trying to get a chicken, fox and...

Safety Snakes Activity

This online safety activity gives pupils the opportunity to practice their coding skills and refresh their knowledge of online safety whilst enjoying a game of snakes and ladders. The activity challenges pupils to create the correct algorithm and program to ensure their Bee-Bot moves around the mat to the...

Scratch Maths Quiz Selection

This Barefoot Computing resource for upper-primary computing lessons uses the creation of a Scratch maths quiz as a basis for learning about algorithms using selection.

Children are asked to create an algorithm that...

Scratch Maths Quiz Variables

This Barefoot Computing resource builds on the ‘Maths quiz with selection’ learning activities which should be undertaken first.

It involves improving an existing Scratch maths quiz and adding score-keeping using...